Delivering distinct structure to Freo art scene
This new gallery brings unique, original abstract art works from emerging and established Australian artists with a focus on promoting locals
by Jane Grljusich
Herald Promotions
One of Fremantle’s newest fine art spaces Art Marx Gallery has celebrated the opening of its latest exhibition Harmonising Structures featuring abstract works by celebrated Australian, WA and local artists.
It includes a limited edition print (82 of 99) of John Coburn’s (1925-2006) Tree of Life, part of his world-renowned series spanning several decades, some of which is retained by the Vatican in Rome.
His major works include the Curtain of the Sun and Curtain of the Moon, designed for the Sydney Opera House, and currently being restored to return there.
Coburn’s work has been widely exhibited internationally and hangs in all the state and national galleries in Australia as well as private collections around the world.
There are also 10 small works from Emanuel Raft’s (1938-2016) Procession Series with six on display. Raft was a renowned post-war and contemporary artist who had established his reputation as one of Australia’s most accomplished young painters and jewellers by the mid-1960s. These are now available for purchase and would make a great edition to an art collection.
Local artists Julie Fowell, David Spencer, Hui-jyu Forrester, Margaret Coxall, Jennifer Sulaj, Carmel Sayer and Dean O’Callaghan also top the bill with rich colour, flat-patterned shapes drawing on Perth’s built landscapes and cityscapes. Japingka’s Director and artist, David Wroth, adds to the exhibition of harmonising lined paintings with earthy tones and Andrew Farmer provides another dimension, with bright resin geometrical works.
Art Marx Gallery is owned by artist Tracey-Ann Morris, and her husband, James, and is the only art gallery in Western Australia dedicated to modern abstract art and artists.
Her pieces Soundwave, My Little Love Heart, and Can’t Face the Structure are on show in Harmonising Structures, expressing the emotion of memories, movement of everyday events that surrounds us. Tracey-Ann is an emerging artist, setting her own distinctive abstract style.
Respected Australian art consultant, Peter Garside, who has curated works by some of the nation’s and the world’s most significant painters including John Olsen, Brett Whitely (1939-1992), Charles Blackman (1928-2018), Picasso (1881-1973) and Chagall (1887-1985), told the Herald the Art Marx Gallery was significant in WA.
“The abstract genre is missing in the general gallery scene here in Perth,” he said.
“It is important as opposed to realism, it allows you to do the exploring, you hold a conversation with the art work, and that conversation reflects on your mood, and therefore you will have different conversations. Abstract art is communication without words.”
Aside from the Harmonising Structures exhibition, and behind the scenes, Art Marx Gallery has a lot to offer including rare Charles Blackman prints Moonlight (21 of 70) and The Journey (37 of 90).
Harmonising Structures opened on Friday 7 March and runs until 6 June.
15 High Street, Fremantle
Phone 6355 6830
Email info@artmarxgallery.com.au
artmarxgallery.com.au
Open 10am to 4pm daily
ART OCCASIONS – Ask us about how we can host an event for your group
Promote your business. Contact Jane on 0417 814 128, or email jane.grljusich@fremantleherald.com